Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, Birmingham Airport
Structural engineering that performs - in theatres, airports, and live event spaces across the UK.
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Airport retail design is never straightforward. Every project involves complex coordination, tight deadlines, and uncompromising safety standards - and this one was no exception.
Pedro Barata
Structural Engineer
Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, Birmingham Airport
Airport Retail
MJ Consulting Engineers is proud to have played a key role in delivering the structural design for Popeyes® Louisiana Chicken at Birmingham Airport - the very first Popeyes to land in a UK airport, and the first ever SSP UK & Ireland Popeyes site.
Located airside in the Departure Lounge, this high-profile outlet brings Popeyes’ globally renowned Louisiana chicken to UK passengers, just in time for the summer travel season.
The Challenge: Engineering Within Constraints
Airport retail design is never straightforward. Every project involves complex coordination, tight deadlines, and uncompromising safety standards - and this one was no exception.
Working with SSP, Popeyes UK®, and Birmingham Airport, our team delivered the full structural design package for this fit-out project. From initial feasibility to detailed design, our scope covered:
Integration with airport infrastructure and services
Support for specialist kitchen equipment and signage
Coordination with fire strategy and egress routes
Load-bearing design in a live airport environment
Despite logistical hurdles, restricted access, and a tight programme, the team stayed focused - proving once again that solid collaboration makes all the difference.
A Taste of the Future for Airport F&B
The Popeyes menu features crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, wraps, wings, and indulgent Southern-style breakfasts. With both dine-in and takeaway options, the new outlet is designed for high volume, high speed, and maximum customer satisfaction - all supported by a robust structural design from MJC.
This opening marks the start of an exciting strategic partnership between Popeyes and SSP, bringing the brand to more UK travel hubs in the near future.
Photo credit: SSP Group
LIVE EveNTS
STAGE DESIGN
Working in theatres and live venues means there’s no room for error - and that’s where MJC stands out. We’re known in the industry for being calm under pressure, clear on site, and dependable from first sketch to final sign-off. It’s why so many production teams come back to us.
Tom Jeffcoat
Structural Engineer, MJ Consulting Engineers
Yes - with offices in London and Manchester and a network of experienced engineers, we deliver structural engineering solutions for theatres and performance venues throughout the UK.
Absolutely; heritage venues are a core part of our expertise. We balance preservation requirements with structural upgrades to support modern rigging, lighting, and performance demands.
Yes - from temporary structures and roof trims to signage and production rigging, we engineer solutions that deliver safety, compliance, and speed for live show environments .
Extensive - we've completed projects at Heathrow T2, T5, Gatwick, Birmingham Airport and Liverpool John Moore Airport, delivering bespoke structural designs that meet tight schedules and live-site requirements .
Yes - we perform ceiling void, roof, rigging point, and structural inspections to assess condition and readiness for production use or fit-out modifications .
Our teams are accustomed to fast-paced schedules. We’re regularly brought into projects during show rehearsals or airport closures - and we deliver reliable structural solutions under time pressure.
We work closely with architects, venue owners, contractors, production teams, and heritage bodies to ensure structural integrity, adherence to regulations, and build-ready details.
Yes, typically within 5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with MJC - how we work, where we work, and what we deliver.
Structural Support That Performs On Stage and On Site
From listed theatres and concert halls to airport concessions and live venues, we bring practical structural engineering to complex environments. Whether you're planning a refurbishment, fitting out a retail unit, or navigating venue constraints, we’ll help you make it buildable - and make it happen.